After travelling halfway around the world to reach paradise, you may question whether it’s worth the effort to visit Aitutaki. However, let me assure you that Aitutaki is incredibly beautiful and definitely worth the extra effort.
Getting there
The most common way to reach Aitutaki is by air, and the only airline that flies to the island is Air Rarotonga. Flights take only 50 minutes and depart multiple times a day. However, flights can be quite expensive, especially since you’ll need to book a return ticket. A return ticket from Rarotonga to Aitutaki can cost around $400-$500 NZD. Despite the price, it is definitely worth the cost, especially considering the distance you’ve already travelled.
Day trip
Aitutaki can be visited as a day trip, which typically includes hotel transfers, a return flight, a boat trip around the lagoon, and lunch on board. The day trip package costs $493 NZD if booked directly with Air Rarotonga, which is a reasonable price considering the individual costs of the flight and boat trip. In a day, you can experience the highlights of Aitutaki, including aerial views of the lagoon and a boat trip to the neighboring paradise islands.
Overnight stay
If you prefer a more relaxed pace and want to spend some time unwinding, I recommend staying overnight in Aitutaki. We stayed for 5 nights, which was the perfect amount of time for us. During our stay, we explored the island, went on a boat trip, enjoyed water activities, and spent two days sunbathing. The duration of your stay depends on how much time you want to spend sunbathing, but 3-5 nights would suit most people.
What makes it so special?
Aitutaki is a place you have to see with your own eyes to truly understand its beauty. Imagine a lagoon with sparkling turquoise waters and white-sand islands – that’s what makes Aitutaki so special and why it captures the hearts of so many visitors.
What to do?
If you’re visiting Aitutaki as a day tripper, your best option is to go on an island-hopping boat trip around the lagoon. The boat will take you to various paradise islands where you can swim and snorkel. If you’re staying overnight, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied, such as paddle boarding, kayaking, cycling around the island, and hiking to the highest peak for stunning views of the lagoon.
Sunsets
One thing that day trippers will miss out on is the breathtaking sunsets that grace the sky every evening. The colors and cloud formations are reflected on the still lagoon, creating one of the most magical sunsets you’ll ever witness. These sunsets alone could be the reason to extend your stay in Aitutaki.
Is it worth it?
If I haven’t already convinced you, let the photos speak for themselves. Aitutaki is truly a paradise worth visiting.